John Ternus named Apple CEO effective September 1; Tim Cook becomes executive chairman

Apple said on April 20, 2026 that John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, will succeed Tim Cook as chief executive on September 1, 2026. Cook becomes executive chairman, focused on policymaker engagement, and stays CEO through the summer to manage the handover. Arthur Levinson moves from chairman to lead independent director, and Ternus joins the board the same day.

• John Ternus becomes CEO on September 1, 2026
• Tim Cook becomes executive chairman; remains CEO through the summer
• Arthur Levinson moves from chairman to lead independent director
• Ternus joined Apple in 2001 and has led hardware engineering